The holiday season is kicking off a bit early when the Matchbox Children’s Theatre hits the Paramount Theatre stage to solve the case of Santa’s disappearance. The show is just one highlight from a weekend filled with music, stories, productions, an author and, of course, meals.

1. Just in the Nick of Time

7 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Historic Paramount Theatre

Matchbox Children’s Theatre returns with an all-ages show to get people in the holiday spirit with the story of ace detective Red Mistletoe, who is hired by the citizens of the North Pole to find Santa Claus after he disappears at the height of the busiest season of the year. Find out how Mistletoe follows clues to save Santa in time. Tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for youth 14 and under. For more information, go to matchboxchildrenstheatre.org or call 507-437-9078.

2. …And That’s My Story

5:30 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. Saturday  at the Hormel Historic Home. 

Enjoy an evening of music, stories, food and fun. The celebration continues on Saturday with breakfast, dialogue with the storytellers and the opportunity for attendees to share their own stories. Tickets are $30 for dinner and concert or $15 for concert alone and are available at the Hormel Historic Home or Discover Austin, Minnesota office (301 N Main St, Suite 101) or online at www.hormelhistorichome.org. Dinner ticket are available through Thursday. For more information, call 507-433-4243.

3. Austin Masonic Pancake Feed

9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Austin Masonic Lodge, 303A N. Main St.

The Austin Masons host an all-you-can-eat pancake feed for $5 per person. Come and enjoy pancakes, sausage, orange juice, milk and coffee.

4. Riverland Family Fest

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Riverland Community College

This free event is open to the public and will celebrate the Riverland family — alumni, students and employees — with live music, refreshments, family activities and sport events. For more information, call 507-433-0600.

5. Author Meet and Greet – Ben Welter

4 p.m. Saturday at the Austin Public Library

Author Ben Welter will discuss his books “Minnesota Moxie,” “Minnesota Mayhem” and “Minnesota Mysteries,” which focus on bizarre newspaper stories throughout Minnesota’s history. For more information, call 507-433-2391.

6. Thanksgiving Feast Fundraiser

5 p.m. Saturday at the Austin Holiday Inn Conference Center.

The annual fundraiser for the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center returns to support environmental education, scientific opportunities, and the enjoyment of nature. Doors open at 5 p.m. for social hour, silent auction and raffles; dinner served at 6:30 p.m., with entertainment beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 for Friends of the Nature Center and $40 for non-members. For more information or for tickets/reservations, call 507-433-6928.

7. Northwestern Singers Presents “Why We Sing”

7 p.m. at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, 306 Secon St NW. 

The 18th annual benefit Concert for the Northwestern Singers, with proceeds to benefit local youth music programs! Features the Northwestern Singers and various elementary, middle, and high school choirs. All tickets $8, available at the door or from any Northwestern Singer. For more information, go to http://www.northwesternsingers.org.